Four-man lineout plays

Set up a platform and space to attack with ’spare’ forwards.

You have five forwards involved in the lineout, so three players can be in the backline.

The lineout

As with every lineout, we are trying to play into space, so the jumpers and lifters must all see how the opposition are set up and how they react before you make the call.

The opposition can be in three basic states:

1. Disorganised defence

The defenders are not expecting a four-man lineout and so are adjusting while you are set up.

The simplest lineout is to go to the middle where the ball can be won easily. It can then be launched into the midfield further than if it was taken at the front.

2. Marked but disorganised

The defence is in place, but they are not prepared to move, or it’s clear that they don’t have lifters ready to move back or forward.

Now, front of the lineout is the safest place, because the opposition won’t follow.

3. Marked and ready to track

The defence is set and ready to move. You have to move their jumping pod forward and then throw over them. 

If you do, it’s harder from them to track back and so you should win clean ball.

Remember that the hooker should throw before the jumper jumps in this case, so the ball meets them at the top of the lift.

Key set-up points

• Hooker to get set as early as possible.
• Front lifter marks the line.
• Players arrive slightly later.
• As soon as the ’jumpers’ are in the line everyone must react.
  > Do not give the opposition time to reorganise themselves.